New Hyundai Santa Fe roars back boxier and roomier

Hyundai Motor unveiled the fully revamped Santa Fe SUV Thursday which came back with a boldly boxy look and a more roomy interior.

Hyundai Motor's fully revamped Santa Fe SUV in five years [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor unveiled the new Santa Fe SUV Thursday which came back with a boldly boxy look and a more roomy interior.

The latest Santa Fe is a fully revamped version that comes five years after the last redo.

With its high hood, H-shaped headlamps and sharply-defined fenders, the seven-seater SUV boasts a sharper and bolder front look.

The length of the car was lengthened by 45 millimeters (1.8 inches) compared to the previous version while the height was upped by 35 millimeters.

Hyundai Motor's fully revamped Santa Fe SUV in five years [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The 2,815-millimeter wheelbase, the distance between the front and back wheels, is 50 millimeters longer compared to the previous model and now stands shoulder to shoulder with rival Kia's Sorento.

It is larger than KG Mobility's Torres, which has a 2,680-millimeter wheelbase.

The trunk capacity stands at 725 liters (191 gallons), enough space for four golf clubs and four Boston bags, according to Hyundai.

Santa Fe comes with two powertrains: a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that generates up to 281 horsepower and 43 kilograms-meter of torque, and a 1.6-liter hybrid that has a maximum of 235 horsepower and 37.4 kilograms-meter of torque.

Interior of the Santa Fe SUV [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The first row is equipped with a leg rest, while the second-row and third-row seats come with seats that recline 10 degrees.

A wireless charging system is available which can charge up to two smartphones simultaneously. It is Hyundai Motor's first time offering the feature.

Details about the price will be announced on Aug. 14, with sales beginning on Aug. 16.

“Since the first-generation Santa Fe's debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers globally,” Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon said. “The All-New Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which reflects the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will help us establish an unrivaled presence in the mid-sized SUV market.”

Hyundai Motor's fully revamped Santa Fe SUV in five years [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]